Gay Like Me

A Father Writes to His Son

By: Richie Jackson

Narrated by: Richie Jackson

Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Chosen by Town & Country as one of the most anticipated books of the year | Named "An LGBTQ Book That'll Change the Literary Landscape in 2020" by O: The Oprah Magazine

In this poignant and urgent love letter to his son, award-winning Broadway, TV, and film producer Richie Jackson reflects on his experiences as a gay man in America and the progress and setbacks of the LGBTQ community over the last 50 years.

“My son is kind, responsible, and hardworking. He is ready for college. He is not ready to be a gay man living in America."

When Jackson's son born through surrogacy came out to him at age 15, the successful producer, now in his 50s, was compelled to reflect on his experiences and share his wisdom on life for LGBTQ Americans over the past half-century.

Gay Like Me is a celebration of gay identity and parenting, and a powerful warning for his son, other gay men, and the world. Jackson looks back at his own journey as a gay man coming of age through decades of political and cultural turmoil.

Jackson's son lives in a seemingly more liberated America, and Jackson beautifully lays out how far we've come since Stonewall - the increased visibility of gay people in society, the legal right to marry, and the existence of a drug to prevent HIV. But bigotry is on the rise, ignited by a president who has declared war on the gay community and fanned the flames of homophobia. A newly constituted Supreme Court with a conservative tilt is poised to overturn equality laws and set the clock back decades. Being gay is a gift, Jackson writes, but with their gains in jeopardy, the gay community must not be complacent.

As Ta-Nehisi Coates awakened us to the continued pervasiveness of racism in America in Between the World and Me, Jackson's rallying cry in Gay Like Me is an eye-opening indictment to straight-lash in America. This audiobook is an intimate, personal exploration of our uncertain times and most troubling questions and profound concerns about issues as fundamental as dignity, equality, and justice.

Gay Like Me is a blueprint for our time that bridges the knowledge gap of what it's like to be gay in America. This is a cultural manifesto that will stand the test of time. Angry, proud, fierce, tender, it is a powerful letter of love from a father to a son that holds lasting insight for us all.

©2020 Richie Jackson (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

very good

loved it had such a good story. enjoyed it from start to finish. enjoyed listening to it.

Stunning, fantastic.... I cried numerous times.

What a heartfelt message from a father to a son, but really from the author to all of us as children of the World.
Mr. Jackson eloquently uses historical context, and drives emotion throughout the entire book.
I had never read, nor heard of Mr. Jackson before this book. This book is now a “must read,” for every LGBT child of the World, their friends, families & allies.
Bravo Mr. Ritchie, now please get busy producing more wonderful material.

Unbelievably beautiful

This book is the most powerful I’ve ever read. I devoured it. Cried while listening. Have recommended to 10 people so far and feel absolutely changed, inspired, and whole. If I had read this as a young gay kid, it would have been life changing.

Awesome Book.

Loved it!! Hit home hard. Reminded me of how far we have come as a community!

Very imformative

I totally enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about what a gay person has to ensure on a daily basis.Very enlightening for me.

Helpful but overly fearful

I liked this book overall, but the author's attempt to infuse healthy fear in his son and audience was too much. I don't agree that some wounds never heal and it's not good to promote this idea, no matter how well intentioned.

a must read for anyone, queer or not.

At times preachy but overall a great book! More political than just a letter to a son. Highly recommend.

so validating to my experience

sharing this letter is like hearing a letter from the ancestors that a lot of us never got to hear or know. I value every word spoken and written here. :-) thank you for this gift :-)

One of the best books....

Great book, well written, and such imporatant and relevant messages in the book. Wish the book were available to read many years ago. I cried and giggled as it is 100% REAL! If you are an ally, if you have a LGBTQ loved one this is a must read!

Fascinating

A gay father's guide for a gay son which speaks to gay history, societal challenges and things that might keep his son safe and thriving in a world that still slams LGBTQ people whenever they get bored slamming other groups.